Abstract: A coupler is provided for coupling a first cable to a second cable, where the first cable includes a male adapter having a male drive feature extending therefrom, and the second cable includes a female adapter having a female drive feature extending therefrom, each adapter including a radial flange. In one embodiment, and by way of example only, the coupler includes a cylinder, a female drive receiving end, and a male drive receiving. The male drive receiving end is spaced a predetermined distance apart from the female drive receiving end such that when the female and male drive features are disposed in the cylinder channel, a portion of the male drive feature is disposed in the female drive feature and is capable of moving axially therethrough in response to a predetermined torque applied to the first cable.

Abstract: A thrust reverser actuation system is provided that includes a synchronization system that synchronizes the actuation of at least two actuators coupled to at least two power drive units. The synchronization system includes a first synchronization shaft coupling the first power drive unit to the second power drive unit and a second synchronization shaft coupling the first power drive unit to the second power drive unit. The at least two actuators are adapted to receive a drive force and configured, in response to receipt of the drive force, to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The synchronization system is configured to transfer power between the first power drive unit and the second power drive unit, thereby eliminating a mismatch in power and provide uniform deployment of the at least two actuators.

Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided that includes a rotor, a stator, a clutch element disposed between the rotor and stator, and an axial force source. First and second contact surfaces are disposed on the rotor and spaced axially apart. The second surface has a smaller radial distance to a rotor rotational axis than the first surface. The axial force source is in communication with the clutch element and is configured to supply a predetermined axial force to the clutch element. When an opposing axial force is applied to the clutch element, the assembly selectively (i) engages by providing contact between the clutch element and the first clutch element contact surface, when the opposing force is less than the predetermined axial force, and (ii) disengages by providing contact between the clutch element and the second clutch element contact surface, when the opposing force is greater than the predetermined axial force.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator assembly is modified to include a low power generator. The low power generator rotates in response to a drive force received from the actuator assembly, and thus only generates electrical power when the actuator assembly is operating. The low power generator is used to supply electrical power to various sensors and circuits, which may be used to implement prognostic and health monitoring capabilities for the actuator assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring an aircraft accessory. The apparatus comprises a processor associated with said aircraft accessory, a transducer coupled to said processor and operable to produce parametric data relating to said aircraft accessory and a memory coupled to said processor having baseline parametric data residing therein, wherein said baseline parametric data comprises the parametric data obtained during an acceptance test procedure. The method comprises installing a transducer configured to produce parametric data relating to said aircraft accessory, coupling said transducer to a processor associated with said aircraft accessory, coupling said processor to a memory associated with said aircraft accessory, recording baseline parametric data relating to said aircraft accessory in said memory during an acceptance test procedure for said aircraft accessory.